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By James P. Bennett

The Bureau of Mines investigated the role of imported natural flake graphite in dolomite-carbon refractories used in steelmaking processes. Fundamental engineering data were obtained to enable the evaluation of substitute materials. Changes in oxidation resistance (2,000° F), hot strength (2,750° F), and deformation under load (2,7500 F) caused by 10-wt-pct additions of five different kinds of natural flake graphite and increasing quantities (0 to 30 pct) of a 90-pct-carbon natural flake graphite were studied. Results indicated that carbon purity of 10-wt-pct-graphite additions did not influence hot strength or deformation under load. When the quantity of 90-pct-carbon graphite addition varied between 0 and 30 wt pct in a dolomite-carbon brick, hot strength was highest and de-formation under load lowest with 10-wt-pct additions. As hot strength test temperature was increased from 5000 to 2,750° F, the strength difference observed between 0-and 30-wt-pct additions of a 90-pct-carbon graphite became smaller. Additions of a boron-treated graphite caused significantly higher strength and lower deformation under load at high temperatures, while an addition of ball clay significantly reduced strength and increased deformation.

Jan 1, 1987

By Jr. Holmes

"The Riley tungsten property of the Northern Nevada Mining Co. was examined by the Bureau of Mines in August 1943, and from February 22 to August 22, 1945, the property was explored by the Bureau.Riley mine, which comprises 60 acres, is in sec. 9, T. 38 N., R. 42 E., Mount Diablo base and meridian, in the Potosi Mining District, on the east slope of the Osgood Range in eastern Humboldt County, Nevada. J. S. Riley is president of Northern Nevada Mining Co., the general offices of which are at 29 East First Street, Reno, Nev.Winnemucca, Nev., 42 miles southwest of the mine and on the main line of the Southern Pacific and Western Pacific Railroads and U. S. Highway 40, is the nearest supply center. The post office for the Potosi district is 15 miles south at Red House, Nev., a station on the Southern Pacific and Western Pacific Railroads. A good dirt road, which leaves U. S Highway 40 about 15 miles east of Winnemucca, extends northeast to the property.Tungsten occurs as scheelite in a characteristic Nevada contact-metamorphic tactite deposit between limestone and granodiorite Fifteen diamond-drill holes were completed for a total length of 2,630 feet.In its program of exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources, to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy. It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by each exploratory project as soon as practicable after its conclusion. The Mining Branch, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploratory work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, R. G. Knickerbocker, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiation tests. Both these branches are under the supervision of Dr. R. S. Dean, assistant director.Special acknowledgment is made to A. C. Johnson, chief, :Reno Division, Mining Branch; E. O. Binyon, mining engineer, Reno Division; S. F. Clabaugh and S. Warren Hobbs of the Federal Geological Survey, who made available the un¬published Geological Survey report ""Tungsten Deposits of Osgood Range, Humboldt County, Nevada;"" and S. P. Zimmerley, chief, Salt Lake City Division, Metallurgical Branch, Salt Lake City, Utah.The Riley tungsten property comprises 60 acres of patented land owned by the Northern Nevada Mining Co. of Reno,,a partnership comprising J. E. Riley, H. H. Luce, Phyllis Riley, Beatrice Knight, Gene Crosby, and M. R. Wilson.The property is part of a federal land grant to the Southern Pacific Railroad, from which it was acquired by Tom Dernan many years ago. Two short adits and several shallow pits were excavated in a search for silver ore, but no record of precious metal production exists."

Sep 1, 1946

By Thomas J. Blalock

The volumetric determination of uranium according to the method of Sill and Peterson (6),3/ which uses cerate oxidimetry after the separation of interferences such as sulfides and cupferrates, has been used for some time by the Bureau of Mines and gives satisfactory results for many of the samples tested. However, in those instances where the uranium content did not exceed a few tenths of 1 percent and iron was present in the range of 10 to 40 percent (as Fe203),4/ the method was cumbersome and unreliable. The need for a more accurate procedure for the determination of small amounts of uranium in the presence of large amounts of iron, such as in shale or black sands, prompted this investigation. The Bureau desired that materials containing as little as 60 p.p.m. of uranium be assayed within reasonable limits of accuracy. One of the primary aims of this work has been to eliminate, as far as possible, the necessity for repeated cup ferron extractions.

Jan 1, 1960

By R. S. Fowkes

A study was made by the Bureau of Mines of the penetration of selected granular materials in an unconfined state by wedge-shaped tools having dimensions comparable with the dimensions of the particles composing the materials. The output force for larger particles fluctuated radically. A custom-designed integrator was used to obtain work as a function of depth of penetration in the form of smooth curves. The influence of wedge angle, depth of penetration, penetration rate, entry angle, compaction state, and particle size on the force required and the work performed was ascertained. Empirical equations describing force and work as a function of penetration were obtained for each set of experiments.

Jan 1, 1973

By Halagowder Devaraj, Mostafa Sheykhnazari, Veer P. Bhavanandan

"A sensitive colorimetric assay for detecting mucins and glycoproteins rich in 0-glycosidically linked saccharides is reported. The method combines the susceptibility of N-acetylgalactosamine terminating 0-glyco idically linked saccharides to P-elimination with the Morgan-Elson reaction for N-acetylhexosamines with free reducing ends. All mucin and mucin-type glycoproteins but none of the serum-type glycoproteins tested resulted in characteristic color production. All mucins tested gave linear responses in the range 5 to 200 ""g and the assay was also adapted to the microscale involving the use of 96-well microtiter plates. The microassay in which the volumes of samples and reagents are scaled down 2.5-fold was particularly useful in monitoring of mucins, in the presence of other glycoconjugates, in large numbers of samples obtained during fractionation procedures. Cesium chloride, cesium bromide, potassium thiocyanate, and various detergents do not interfere with the colorimetric determination. Guanidine hydrochloride, cesium triftuoroacetate, and B-mercap- . toethanol decreased color by 30 to 45%; however, the interference was not serious to prevent the use of the method for detection of mucins in their presence. The use of the method for the specific detection of mucin during fractionation by gel filtration and density gradient centrifugation of cystic fibrosis sputum samples is demonstrated. Mucins are an important class of biomacromolecules whose structure-function relationship is poorly understood (1,2). The investigations of mucins are hampered by difficulties in purifying these very large size molecules which appear to avidly bind other components of the mucus (3,4). One of the problems during purification is the specific detection of mucins. For example, during the various purification steps, the fractions containing mucins are typically detected by assaying for neutral sugars (hexoses) (5,6), for sialic acids (7), or for periodate oxidizable saccharide units (8). However, these methods are not entirely satisfactory because neutral sugars, sialic acids, and periodate-oxidizable saccharides are also components of other glycoconjugates. In addition, the neutral sugar and sialic acid measurements are also subject to interference from high levels of proteins and nucleic acids."

Jan 1, 1990

By H. E. Powell

A laboratory mineral-dressing investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Mines on four limonitic and four sideritic iron ores from the North Basin of the east Texas iron-ore district. The samples, composited from drill cores, were considered representative of the iron-ore reserves of the area. The objectives of this research were twofold: (1) To devise a mineral-dressing method whereby the yield from currently mined east Texas iron ores might be increased and the grade improved, and (2) to extend such treatment to include the lower grade ferruginous materials that are not amenable to beneficiation by simple washing and, therefore, are not being exploited. Of the mineral-dressing methods used in this investigation, magnetic separation of roasted are was shown to be the most effective. Results show that, by this method, a laboratory recovery of 82 percent of the iron is attainable at a grade surpassing that obtained by current plant practice and that both limonite and siderite are amenable to concentration by the process. The existence of large deposits of iron are in eastern Texas has been recognized for over 100 years. These ores were first exploited during the Civil War and were mined intermittently until about 1911. From that time until 1944 when the Defense Plant Corporation financed the erection of three blast furnaces to use these east Texas ores, production was almost at a standstill.4/

Jan 1, 1960

By E. S. Leaver

Experiments dealing with the dissolution of silver by cyanide from various silver minerals-were reported, several years ago.4/ This work showed that the silver in some silver minerals is completely and readily soluble in cyanide solution, whereas other silver minerals must be given special treatment before or during cyanidation to obtain much dissolution of the silver by cyanide. Flotation as a method for treating silver ores has not been studied much, except in the case of base-metal ores carrying silver, Particularly lead-silver ores. However, many mills now are concentrating gold ores by flotation, and when such ores also contain silver the recovery of the silver by flotation is of considerable importance. Moreover, many mines contain ore in which silver is the principal valuable constituent. Some of these ores are amenable to cyanidation, but the cost of a cyanide plant may be prohibitive because of limited ore bodies or other factors. In such instances the successful application of flotation would mean that the property could be operated.

Jan 1, 1939

Bosworth, T. 0. The Mackenzie oilfield of northern Canada. Petroleum Times, vol. 5, Apr. 30, 1921, pp. 489-491. Jour. Inst. Petroleum Technologists, vol. 7, Oct., 1921, pp. 276-290; discussion, pp. 290-297. Gives location of the field, some of its geology, mode of occurrence and character of the oil. See also Oil Trade Jour., vol. 12, June, 1921, pp. 48-108. Canadian Min. Jour., vol. 42, May 27, 1921, pp. 420-422. Oil and Gas Jour., vol. 20, June 3, 1921, pp. 90-90. Petroleum World (London), vol. 18, June, 1921, pp. 233-2.64, 236-238, 240-241. Bull. Canadian Inst. min. and met., July, 1921, pp. 629-638. Mining and Metallurgy, Oct., 1921, pp. 47-48. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. Resources of Balkan and Near Eastern countries. Commerce Repts., Oct. 24, 1921, pp. 488-489. Includes summary of the mineral resources of these countries, mentioning petroleum and allied substances in Roumania, Albania, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Palestine, Arabia, Persia.

Jan 1, 1921

By Joseph A. Sutton, John D. Corrick

The chemistry involved in the microbial dissolution of iron and copper from such sulfide minerals as pyrite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, cove11ite, and bornite is described. The chemical criteria used to evaluate the activity of microorganisms on these minerals were changes in pH, ferric iron produced, and oxygen consumption. In a series of experiments in which a ferrous sulfate nutrient solution was percolated over small portions of the above-mentioned copper sulfide minerals for 56 days, the iron-oxidizing bacteria Ferrobaci11us ferrooxidans and Thiobaci11us ferrooxidans were capable of bringing about the dissolution of 23.7 percent of the copper from chalcocite, 56.3 percent of the copper from cove11ite, and 29.8 percent of the copper from bornite by the microbial production of ferric sulfate which reacted with these minerals. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that pure strains of the iron-oxidizing bacteria act as catalysts to the ferrous iron being oxidized by the Oxygen of a system containing pyrite and chalcopyrite. In a series of experiments during which nutrient solution was percolated over pyrite for 70 days, the ferric iron produced by the iron-oxidizing bacteria was 112 to 120 times greater than that produced atmospherically.

Jan 1, 1964

By W. H. Coghill, F. D. DeVaney

"Introduction Numerous investigators have studied grinding. Each has contributed his bit to a literature that is difficult to correlate. Too many of the results have been transformed into curves with no many ""inflection points"" and ""counterflexures"" that they obscure the issue.Some of the investigators have neglected the very essence of the problem, namely, the power and the amount of material to which a known amount of work was applied. The purpose of this paper is to show the ease with which results can be interpreted when these quantities are duly recognized. Some grinding tests will be given for illustration.Grinding studies are of two kinds: (1) Study of the character of the ore and (2) study of the performance of the machines. Several ores may be crushed by a given machine, or several machines may be used on a given ore. The illustrations given in this report cover both objectives.Grindability Characteristics When the ores are being studied the information sought is grindability characteristics (grain-size distribution) and the grindability (work required to produce new surface) of a group of ores.When the study is of the machines, several machines are used for a given ore or given types of ores, and the grinding performances of the machines are compared by a grain-size study.Table 1 gives the grindability characteristics and grindability of six substances, one of which is coal. The substances are arranged from left to right in progressing order of tons per horsepower-hour. Curves and graphs are not needed for elucidation. The secret of the ease of interpretation is the order mentioned and the similarity of the sizing analyses. Power records must be complete in grinding studies.The grinding device was a ball, plunger, and mortar called the drop weight.' It may be used to advantage when the amount of material to be tested is too small for the orthodox machines.The upper part of table 1 shows the grindability characteristics by the cumulative-sizing analyses. Note how closely the percentage weights agree for a given sieve size. The lower part shows the grindability in terms defined elsewhere. The present paper should be read in conjunction with that paper."

Jun 1, 1934

By W. V. Kuster

The investigation described in this report is part of a survey by the Federal Bureau of Mines of the titanium resources of the United States. The purpose of this project was to study a typical coastal deposit of beach sands in the Middle Atlantic States, particularly in the area surrounding the Delmarva Peninsula. The field investigation consisted of a reconnaissance survey of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, followed by surface sampling and drilling of the sands on Assateague Island, off the Atlantic coast of Maryland. The study covered the period January-December 1957. Detailed analyses were made of 5-foot sections of eight drill holes along the Maryland section of the island. The heavy-mineral fraction of these samples was separated by sink-float tests, using acetylene bromide as the heavy liquid. The minerals comprising the heavy fraction were examined microscopically, and mineral counts were made on selected samples.

Jan 1, 1959

By Alla D. Mah

The work described in this report is part of a Bureau of Mines research program for obtaining heats of formation of inorganic oxides, carbides, and nitrides by combustion calorimetry. The heats of combustion of molybdenum subnitride (Mo2N) and chromium subnitride (Cr2N) were measured. The data were combined with previous determinations of the heats of formation of molybdenum trioxide and chromium sesquioxide to obtain the heats of formation of the two subnitrides from the elements at 298.15° K. The corresponding free energies of formation were estimated. The heat data were compared with those of nine previously studied nitrides.

Jan 1, 1960

By D. I. Bleiwas

The Bureau of Mines determined the costs associated with lithium production (in various products) from demonstrated resources in seven market economy countries (MEC's). This analysis evaluated the relative economic and resource position of 16 mines or deposits, including 6 producers and 1 (Bernic Lake) operating at pilot scale. The demonstrated resource of recoverable lithium within the deposits studied is approximately 2.2 million metric tons (mt). Virtually all known MEC resources and production were covered, including resources in Chile (59 pct of the total), the United States (13 pct), Australia (11 pct), Canada (10 pct), and Bolivia, Zaire, and Zimbabwe (combined 7 pct). In addition, the large potential of lithium-enriched brines is assessed, especially those in the Atacama Basin, Chile, where production began in 1984. The lithium resource consists of lithium in spodumene, brines, and to a small extent lepidolite and petalite. Most MEC lithium trade originates from the United States, though development of brine deposits in Chile, and potential development in Bolivia, could threaten the U.S. position. Economic analysis indicated that all lithium being recovered from producing properties could be produced at less than the published market price, and that MEC resources from these properties are adequate to supply any foreseeable demand.

Jan 1, 1986

By John W. Buch

Safety and cost in mining coal beds under the extreme pressures found at depth, full extraction to conserve resources, and even surface subsidence to minimize damage of improved areas have directed much well-deserved attention, in the United Kingdom; to roof-control methods. Because the effects of pressure will be felt intensely as our Pennsylvania anthracite mines grow deeper, the senior author took advantage of an opportunity afforded by a mission to Europe3/ to observe, to a limited extent, the effects of pressures found in deep mines and the manner in which they are con trolled. Organized research relating to strata control has been carried on in Great Britain for nearly 25 years. These activities have been ably outlined by Dr. D. W. Phillips.4/ Physical properties of coal-measure rocks, movements of roof and floor, and types of face and roadway supports have been investigated. Same of the forces induced by the extraction of coal have been measured. The results of this research have been publicized and openly discussed, and much progress has been made in establishing a better factual understanding of roof-control problems and their solution.

Jan 1, 1951

By J. E. Chilton

Interim performance specifications are presented for carbon monoxide, methane, and air velocity transducers used in the Bureau of Mines intrinsically safe mine monitoring system. These specifications give quantitative values or qualitative descriptions of the transducers, including environmental parameters and monitoring system measurement and maintenance requirements as recommended by the Bureau of Mines. Commercially available transducer modules and prototype modules are listed together with selected characteristics.

Jan 1, 1983

Nineteen eighty-seven was a year of significant change in the Bureau of Mines-change to help it better adapt and respond to the wide range of new challenges facing the U.S. mineral industry. The Bureau has been regarded as the world's premier mineral information and research agency. Its authoritative, comprehensive data and its pioneering research have contributed significantly to the minerals position of the United States. Yet no organization in today's complex, dynamic world, with its rapidly advancing technologies, can afford to rest on its laurels. Mission and program must be constantly fresh and relevant to the day's issues and problems. Moreover, rather than reacting to events, the organization must strive to anticipate and prepare for them. It must have a sense-a vision, if you will-for the future.

Jan 1, 1987

By James M. Nishi, Lloyd Carpenter

Sixteen elements were determined spectrochemically in the general range of 3 to 1,000 ppm in high - purity columbium . Samples were converted thermally to Cb2 O , mixed with graphite and Ge02 , and excited for 15 seconds using a 15 - ampere dc arc . For the molybdenum determination , the oxidized samples were mixed with NaCl and Geo₂ and excited for 30 seconds . Spectra were recorded on photographic plates , and spectral line transmittance values were measured photometrically . Relative - intensity ratios of selected analytical and internal standard spectral lines were plotted against concentrations of standards to form curves from which concentrations of impurities were read . Average precision of the method was 11.2 percent relative standard deviation .

Jan 1, 1964

By Gopala N. Krishnan

The most promising candidate for the recovery of alumina from non-bauxitic sources is the leaching of clay by HCL acid followed by crystallization of aluminum chloride hexahydrate (ACH) by hydrogen chloride sparging. Hydrothermal precipitation of boehmite ( ?-A100H) from aluminum chloride solution will simplify the process, will reduce energy consumption and will eliminate corrosion problems involved in calcination of ACH to obtain alumina. This report summarizes the results of Phase I of a program to study the precipitation of boehmite from AlC13 solutions. The amount of boehmite precipitation from dilute A1C13 solutions (5 wt%) is . negligible below 200°C. Above 200°C the precipitation increases with increasing temperature approaching 40% at 300°C. Addition of HCl acid to the dilute A1C13 solution even in small quantities drastically reduces boehmite precipitation. Solution impurities such as Fe, Ca, Mg, or Na substantially promote the precipitation of boehmite. No precipitation is observed from concentrated A1C13 solution (30wt%) representing the leach liquor.

Jan 1, 1980

Major activities of the Bureau of Mines Explosives Research Center during fiscal year 1965 (July 1, 1964, to June 30, 1965) are reviewed briefly. Part 1 summarizes significant accomplishments of the projects that were active during the report period. Part 2 presents short abstracts of the publications that appeared in the Bureau series and in other media during fiscal year 1965. Publications issued after June 30, 1965 are noted where pertinent in footnotes but are not abstracted. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Bureau of Mines gratefully acknowledges the support given through cooperative agreements by the following organizations to investigations con¬ducted by the Explosives Research Center during fiscal year 1965: Dow Chemical Company Manufacturing Chemists' Association Monsanto Chemical Company The Sulphur Institute

Jan 1, 1966

By F. E. Joyce, Charles Prasky

This report describes the response to high- temperature sulfatization of a variety of manganese minerals and companion compounds which may occur either as a principal component or as a gangue material in low- grade manganese deposits . Fourteen manganese samples representing oxide , carbonate , and silicate minerals as well as seven compounds which might occur as gangue with manganese minerals were tested batchwise in a bench- scale apparatus under conditions which would be favorable for the sulfatization of manganese . The manganese minerals substantiated thermodynamic predictions and responded to sulfatization but to varying degrees . The gangue materials , MgO , MgCO,, CaO , and CaCO3 , were sulfatized readily in contrast to the iron oxides and the aluminacontaining material which were not .

Jan 1, 1964